These days, a fence can be used to add a whole new dimension to your garden, whether you grow things up it or through it, hang things off it, or a combination of all three. To give you some inspiration, we’ve dug up some stunningly simple vertical garden ideas to turn your fence into a talking point.
As more and more people opt for apartment or townhouse living, vertical gardens have become the solution to growing in a confined space. And, given that around 52% of Australians grow at least some of their own food, vertical gardens are an ideal way to make the most of your fence or wall space while providing yourself with fresh herbs and vegies.
The ingenious vertical garden below uses recycled plastic bottles as containers for a variety of leafy greens. Suspended above each other on strong twine, the garden is not only good to look at but also practical, as water from the containers above drains through to the ones below, saving on water and time.
‘Upcycled’ timber pallets are another great way to create a vertical garden without spending too much money or time. Pallets are easily accessible and usually free – out back of your local supermarket is a good place to start – and converting them into a garden is not difficult. There’s heaps of advice about converting pallets online, and no shortage of inspiration, such as the pallet garden in the picture below, which makes use of a variety of succulents, mixing up colours, heights and textures to dramatic effect.
With the explosion in popularity of the vertical garden has come a wealth of accessories dedicated to growing plants on your wall or fence, including decorative metal frames and a range of planters and containers with inbuilt hooks or watering systems, to mention just a few.
Before you go out and spend a whole lot of money, plan what you want from your vertical garden. It may be possible to adapt what you already have in your garden, or use recycled materials from around the house.
Think about what you want to grow – vegies and herbs need sun, for example, while a fernery would do okay in sheltered shade. If the garden is on a balcony, think about water drainage — you don’t want to flood the downstairs neighbours.
Think about what kind of vertical garden would suit your fence — whether it’s timber or metal will influence the plants and containers you choose. It’s now possible, at many nurseries, to view sample vertical gardens on different fencing materials so, do a bit of research and you’ll get a good idea what’s possible for your particular space.
One of the best things about vertical gardens is their combination of form and function — like hanging a painting on your lounge-room wall, your vertical garden is an opportunity to express your creativity and individuality in your outdoor space. So, let your imagination run wild and turn your fence into a living work of art.
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Fencing issues can be complex. Site and location often create real issues for property owners who need to deal with a combination of design, security and basic practical situations. These issues can be quite maddening, and that’s a sure sign you’ll need some help fixing the problems. Fencing contractors can help, whatever the case may be.
Issues you shouldn’t try and handle yourself without advice
There are always some issues where professionals are required to deal with all facets of the problem. Fences may look pretty straightforward, but they’re actually structures, and putting in a fence the wrong way can be a very expensive mistake.
Access and space between fences and buildings: These are much more serious issues than they might look. A fence which restricts access can also block emergency exits and be very dangerous to install because there’s not enough space to work safely.
These are just basic issues. When you bear in mind that each of them can cost thousands of dollars to fix, you can see why it’s a good idea to get some help to make sure you get things done properly.
Do not commit to spending a cent until you’re sure you’ve got all these issues under control, and that installation isn’t going to provide “surprises”. Your fencing contractor will need to check the site and do some costing for proper installation.
If you’re doing it yourself- It’s a very good idea to talk to your supplier before you lift a finger with any actual work. Some types of fencing are far better suited to particular sites than others, and your supplier will know all the local issues from termites to powerful sea winds which can wipe out a garden.
When putting in pool fencing, you’ll need advice on compliance. Make sure you’re installing fencing which meets local government requirements.
A good local fencing contractor knows these issues very well and will be able to help.
To get the best results, it’s advisable to talk to a professional with all the facts on hand. As you can see, defining the issues means concentrating on the site issues. Your fencing contractor will be able to check all the issues systematically and provide a working solution
